Head out on the Powder Highway

Fernie Alpine Resort

Photograph by: Handout photo
, Henri Georgi

There are ski resorts where you can get in some glitzy après ski without ever setting foot on a ski slope. Not so at Castle, Fernie and Kimberley. Here, the focus is on skiing and riding. And that works just fine for these popular ski resorts. The three resorts mark the entry to B.C.’s aptly-named Powder Highway (Note: Castle is a minor detour just before you hit the border). Powder, they have in spades – along with a good mix of terrain and comfortable accommodations.

Castle Mountain Resort

Claims to fame: This no-frills resort has a well-deserved reputation for wind-swept deep snow, challenging faces and some of the lowest lift prices in the region. Castle’s double-black diamond Lone Star run is Canada’s longest continuous fall line at a thigh-searing 520 vertical metres.

What’s new: The resort installed a Wonder Carpet in the beginner area, which will open up more of this advanced hill to newcomers. Summer trail crews carried out extensive glading.

Insider tips: Wind works in your favour at Castle. As gusts move in throughout the day, snow fills in the tracks so you can usually find untracked runs all day. Replenish the calorie burn at the day’s end with pizza at the T-Bar pub.

Claims to fame: Snow and steep, wooded slopes. Fernie receives more than 11 metres of snow in a season over its five bowls. Other perks: unpretentious town, gorgeous scenery, world-class tree skiing. Despite aging amenities and high lift prices, Fernie continues to rack up awards, including a spot on National Geographic’s Top 25 World’s Best Ski Towns.

What’s new: Minimal changes at Fernie this year. RCR carried out brushing on Siberia Ridge, Cedar Ridge and the Currie Glades, and doubled Emily’s Run (named for hometown favourite Emily Brydon). Devoted Fernie enthusiasts can now buy custom graphic art skis, featuring an image of the resort’s alpine bowls. Available from Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

Insider tips: Seeking a thrill? Check out Lizard Bowl. According to a Fernie ski patroller, “the Lizard Bowl is like falling for the girl in the hot miniskirt and realizing she’s as kind as the girl next door.” Pick up a batch of Big Bang Bagels from the shop in town when you arrive and another batch for the drive home.

Claim to fame: One phrase pops up all the time in reviews of Kimberley Alpine Resort: family-friendly. That’s a credit to its ample on-hill accommodations, wide-open groomed runs, excellent ski school and the laid-back town.

What’s new: Children will find plenty to check out this year with a new maze, kids-only teepee and expansions of the kids’ trails. RCR carried out extensive grooming on runs like Backtrack and the All over Glades.

Insider tips: After an overnight powder dump, head to Geneva in the black forest. It’s a long leg burner with variable terrain. Make reservations in advance for local dinner favourites The Old Bauernhaus and the Heartbeet Vegetarian Bistro.

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